Getting donations shouldn’t just be about asking for cash. That’s intimidating and off-putting.​​The more effective, less painful way to collect donations is by asking for contributions indirectly. The goal of fundraising is to help others connect a passion or memory with a cause. It’s about making your goals theirs. Here’s how you can relate to your donors:

​1. Use social media

Engage with your supporters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share your story rather than your fundraising goal. Social media is a crucial resource when it comes to raising awareness; use relevant stories as well as personal testimonials from your foundation to show people where the donations go such as to new laptops, computer labs, programs, or school improvements. Thank those who have donated in the past to entice them to donate again. Utilize your internal network to share these posts with your team to extend your reach even further. If you can raise awareness, you can raise donations without having to even ask.

2. Share your story

What’s your “why”? Most people can relate to personal stories and experiences. Use an emotional hook to pull people into sharing your passion for the cause and showcase your educational foundation’s purpose to connect with potential donors on a deeper level.

​3. Make it personal

Make sure your donors connect with your educational foundation’s message. Giving is a personal act and you want your supporters to feel the need to make an impact. Rather than adding a blunt “donate” button on an email, ask recipients to visit your donation page to learn more. That way, they’ll be lead through the donation path all on their own.

4. Ask for feedback from donors and parents

When you make someone feel valued and heard, you open the door for them to speak more comfortably. Ask potential donors for their thoughts on where donated funds should be allocated. Seek out a passion or pain point that connects them with your educational foundation. You may even bring them to the conclusion to donate all on their own.

Asking for donations can seem a lot less overwhelming when you view contributing as inviting people to participate and support the school district. You’re selling significance and purpose. Lead them through constant communications to tell your story. Lead them with memberplanet!

We have all the tools your educational foundation needs to expand reach and manage your donations in one spot. See what our other educational foundations are saying about how memberplanet helps increase donations and improves donor engagement.